I reached FRA in June but was told at the Social Security office (and determined on an AARP calculator) that I can file on my ex husband's record and receive half of his social security benefit by waiting until he turns 62, then let my own grow. It is a no-brainer for me to wait 4 months to take $1250 based on his earning record rather than the $1400 based on mine UNLESS (according to your book) the rule requires me to take the higher amount...in which case I've been forfeiting $1400 for 4 months.

I was clear that this was the best filing strategy until a friend planted seeds of doubt based on your book.

Thanks,

Hi,

It sounds like you may be misinterpreting what you read in the book. Since you were born prior to January 2 1954, you still have the option of filing just for divorced spousal benefits only at or after full retirement age (FRA) without also being deemed to file for retirement benefits on your own record (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html). Thus, it sounds like your best strategy may well be to file for divorced spousal benefits first and then switch to your own record at age 70. You may want to consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to be sure, though.

Best, Jerry